The winning book in each category will receive GBP 2,500 and be determined by combining the votes of the judging panel with those of 400 schoolchildren across the UK.

Children's author Michael Rosen, chair of the judging panel, said the Roald Dahl Funny Prize promotes laughter and humour as a 'feel-good factor' when reading.

'Parents, teachers and anyone hoping to get children hooked on books will find 12 here to have you all giggling and laughing. These are books that are inventive, clever, warm and strong on observing our quirks and foibles,' he added.

The publication of the list coincides with Roald Dahl Day, an annual event taking place today to mark the birthday of the celebrated author.

This year, the event is being used to draw attention to the badly-needed restoration work at the hut in which Dahl wrote many of his most beloved stories.

Sophie Dahl, the author's granddaughter, has launched a campaign to raise the GBP 500,000 needed to return the hut, located in the garden of his old house in Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire, to its original state.

Since Dahl died in 1990, the outhouse has been left untouched but is now on the verge of collapse, after two decades of weather damage.

While the repairs are being carried out, the contents of the hut, including Dahl's many writing implements, will be moved to a nearby museum for safekeeping.

This year's Roald Dahl Day will also see hundreds of events taking place across the globe to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Dahl's first full-length children's story, James and the Giant Peach.